"I've informed Fox Sports that I will not seek to extend my contract to broadcast baseball past the 2013 season," McCarver said. "Although I am neither tired of broadcasting baseball nor have I in any way lost my interest in baseball, with which I have been associated as a player and broadcaster for 55 years, it's time to cut back.

Tim McCarver, right, has been a fixture in MLB telecasts with Joe Buck. (AP Photo)

"Since 1996, my time with Joe Buck has been filled with some of the most memorable moments in the game's magnificent history. I am very proud to have been a part of all the things that make this game so special for all of us who follow it day-to-day, week-to-week and year-to-year.

"Finally, to the gifted men and women at Fox with whom I've worked with over the last 17 years, your work has been exemplary and unmatched. You're the best in the business and it has been a privilege."

McCarver, 71, has worked a record 23 World Series and 20 All-Star Games in the TV booth, winning three Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Sports Event Analyst" and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's 2012 Ford C. Frick Award.

"Tim's longevity as a lead network analyst is the result of hard work and his commitment to provide the best, honest analysis possible, and his decision to step down came as a surprise to us," Fox Sports co-president and COO Eric Shanks said. "On behalf of everyone at Fox Sports and generations of baseball fans, David (Hill), Ed (Goren), Randy (Freer) and I would like to thank Tim for everything he has done for Fox since 1996 and baseball over the last 55 years. We're just glad we get to enjoy his friendship and savor his expertise one more season."

Added MLB commissioner Bud Selig: "As an analyst, he has always thought like a manager in the dugout, and in the process he helped redefine what sports fans expected from the broadcast booth. Tim has led a remarkable baseball life since signing with the Cardinals in 1959, and all of us at Major League Baseball look forward to joining our partners at Fox Sports in honoring his Hall of Fame career throughout the 2013 season. On behalf of our 30 clubs, I thank Tim for his important contributions to our game over the past seven decades."